JohnOfPatmos

Notable album with the usual, beautiful cerebral-ECM cover ;) The cold north doesn’t only have Garbarek. Well done, Stefanet, as usual!

Absolutely stunning review, there's no denying it. Even though that final "perhaps" adds a touch of melancholy, it's true in its essence. I, however, berate myself because I still haven't managed to get my hands on this album. But it's as if I'm giving it a 5 out of trust. Pieranunzi is great, and as for Baker, in some ways, he's even superior to Miles Davis, at least in my taste. Bye ;) JoP

A great purchase by DeBaser, the Mullah ;)) Ellington, Evans, Bach-Glenn Gould and now... Liszt! I bow down! I completely agree with you about Liszt's "desire to impress." Perhaps that's what weakens him in comparison to other great romantics like Chopin or Schumann. A "syndrome," that of the virtuoso, which also affected our illustrious compatriot Nicolò Paganini. It’s no coincidence that Liszt transcribed some of his works, such as the études. As for these waltzes... I know them, but I am not familiar with the interpretation in question. However, I trust Hyperion, an excellent record label. Some samples of this album can be found here Liszt, Franz (1811-1886) - Composer - Hyperion Records - CDs, MP3 and Lossless downloads From these little tastes, Howard’s sound seems very bright and rich to me. Bien, bien... muy bien.

Don't make me blush, Nara... ;))

Well, first of all, I think I can say that the genes of mixed-race parents have blended to create a really good "product"! Unfortunately, I don't know her, but I believe that in general, more attention should be paid to Eastern and "Arabesque" sounds, which, after all, have also inspired a lot of European and American music. I think – but it's just one example among many – about how much "Arab" influence there is in the concert at La Scala by Keith Jarrett. Good job, wrecking ball! JoP

I don't know the album, but Manfred Eicher's choices are usually always excellent! I'm also pleased with this new "economic" line from the Munich-based label (your description of ECM is beautiful, Stefanet!), hoping, of course... that it lasts! The review and cover are very, very nice.

Hal, I'm reading you now... It's true, this "review" has had a long gestation and has been cut and reshaped... It's less spontaneous, you and Grass are absolutely right about that. As for the Seventh, and always regarding the "controversies," besides Wagner, I would also like to recall the judgment of Carl Maria Von Weber (who certainly wasn't a newcomer). Well, after hearing the Seventh, good Carl Maria from his blessed throne declared: "Beethoven is now ready for the asylum... ";)) Hello everyone!!! JoP

Many thanks, Nobody!!! I also take this opportunity to respond to Boredoms. It’s really hard to say where to start with Ludwig! Right now I would tell you: Glenn Gould with the Sonata op.31 "La tempesta". Or Karajan, with the "Eroica" (which I would like to de-review, who knows... sooner or later...). Saludos, JoP

Yes, Nobody, of course you can tell me that my (past/present/future) review is completely wrong, that it doesn't convince you, without me getting offended ;)) And the same goes for Copernicus, who for example defined the above as a "modest comment." I read everyone's opinions, accept compliments and criticisms, and from the latter I try to learn if possible ;)) So... don't worry, Copernicus, you haven't offended me at all. Anyway, if you'd like, I can clarify a few things: it's a time when I'm often listening to the Seventh, in which I've found in this work by Beethoven (read beautifully here by Dorati, in my opinion) a new, entirely personal "key to interpretation" (see also Fortini's poetry), in my private life. Those who read me on DeBaser know that I always present music in a "intimate" way (maybe a bit too much, who knows), and that's how it has been with the Seventh. If I "fell badly," it's because I then "fell badly" in the feeling this music conveys to me during this period, which I wanted to communicate with my review. As for conductors, my favorite for the Seventh is undoubtedly Arturo Toscanini (the way he interprets the Trio in the Scherzo... a giant). Or even the great Bernstein, in his last performance before his death. But right now I appreciate, even graphically, this powerful "7" by Dorati. Bye ;)) JoP

The review is wonderfully beautiful and crafted, just like this album. Everything is perfect in this record, I agree. It’s a kind of dialogue between heart and mind between the two great Masters of jazz. A dialogue, a musical confrontation that never falls into either sentimentality or cerebralism. This version of "I Hear A Rhapsody" is one of my favorites. As for the rest... I'll let the ratings speak for themselves.